A failed Quinn Martin pilot for a series starring a Hawaii-based government counter intelligence agency run by the indomitable Aunt Mary. In this, his only adventure, Diamond Head has to prevent the evil Tree from stealing a deadly nerve toxin gas and selling it to foreign powers. To help Diamond Head is the Dragon Lady and Zulu.
Acting
Ian McShane's triple-role commitment deserves a medal.
Production
Every establishing shot screams 'we got airline discounts.'
Director
Jeannot Szwarc
Roy Thinnes
Johnny Paul
France Nuyen
Tso-Tsing
Zulu
Zulu
Ward Costello
Captain Macintosh
Don Knight
H.K. Muldoon
Ian McShane
Sean Donovan / Father Horton / Colonel Millard Butler
Eric Braeden
Ernest Graeber
Dennis Patrick
Commander Yarnell
Frank Michael Liu
Hikaru Sakai
Eric Christmas
Father Murphy
Ernest Harada
Hero Yamamoto
Harry Endo
Dr. En-Ping
Lee Stetson
Tanner
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Quinn Martin produced 16 failed pilots in the 70s; this is arguably the most watchable disaster. Szwarc later directed Jaws 2 and Supergirl, proving failure is a stepping stone.
The 'Dragon Lady' name and Zulu's actual name being 'Zulu' reflect peak 70s orientalism; France Nuyen was fresh off Star Trek's 'Elaan of Troyius' playing another exoticized role.
US
